
Spermidine is a compound found in a variety of foods, including aged cheese, mushrooms, soy products, legumes, corn, and whole grains. It has been found to prevent liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in animal models and may even prolong lifespan. When it comes to cheese, mature varieties such as gouda, brie, parmesan, gorgonzola, and cheddar are particularly rich in spermidine, with contents reaching up to 20mg/100g. However, it's important to note that excessive consumption of these cheeses is not recommended due to their high salt and saturated fat content.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of cheese that contain spermidine | Matured cheese, gouda, brie, parmesan, gorgonzola, cheddar, gruyere, manchego |
| Spermidine content in matured cheese | 2.6 mg/kg |
| Spermidine content in low-fat milk | 1.0 mg/kg |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Matured cheese has the highest spermidine content
Aged cheese is cheese that has been cured in a controlled environment for six months, such as cheddar, brie, parmesan, gruyere and manchego. These cheeses have a spermidine content of around 20mg/100g.
Matured cheese has the highest total polyamine content, with values of 52.3, 1.2 and 2.6 mg/kg for putrescine, spermidine and spermine, respectively. Low-fat milk has higher putrescine and spermidine than other types of milk, with 1.2 and 1.0 mg/kg, respectively.
Spermidine is also found in grains, with the endosperm containing most of the spermidine. Wheat germ is one of the best-known grain sources of spermidine, containing as much as 243 mg/kg.
BLT's Best Cheese: A Guide to Perfect Pairings
You may want to see also

Cheddar contains around 20mg/100g of spermidine
Spermidine is a compound found in many mature cheeses, including cheddar, gouda, brie, parmesan, gorgonzola, gruyere and manchego. Cheddar contains around 20mg/100g of spermidine, although the content of polyamines in cheese varies considerably between studies.
Spermidine is also found in mushrooms, soy products, legumes, corn, and whole grains. It is plentiful in a Mediterranean diet.
Spermidine has been found to prevent liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer, in animal models. It may also prolong lifespan, according to a study published in the journal *Cancer Research*. Researchers found that animal models given an oral supplement of spermidine lived longer and were less likely to have liver fibrosis and cancerous liver tumours, even when predisposed to these conditions.
However, it is important to restrict yourself to 30g-40g of cheese a day so that your salt and saturated fat intake remains moderate.
The Real Nature of Philadelphia Cheese
You may want to see also

Brie, parmesan, gouda and gorgonzola are also rich in spermidine
Spermidine is a compound found in foods like aged cheese, mushrooms, soy products, legumes, corn and whole grains. It seems to prevent liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer, and there is also some evidence that it may prolong lifespan.
Brie, parmesan, gouda and gorgonzola are all mature or aged cheeses that are rich in spermidine. In fact, cheddar is also chock-full of spermidine, with a content of around 20mg/100g. However, it's important to restrict yourself to 30g-40g a day so that your salt and saturated fat intake remains moderate.
Aged cheese is cured in a controlled environment for six months, and other examples include gruyere and manchego. The content of polyamines in cheese varies considerably between studies, but in analysed Swedish dairy products, matured cheese had the highest total polyamine contents with values of 52.3, 1.2, and 2.6 mg/kg for putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, respectively.
Cheese Selection Guide for Charcuterie Boards
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Spermidine is found in foods like aged cheese, soy products and legumes
Spermidine is found in a variety of foods, including aged cheese, soy products, and legumes.
Aged cheeses, such as cheddar, brie, parmesan, gouda, gorgonzola, gruyere, and manchego, are particularly rich in spermidine, with contents reaching up to 20mg/100g. However, it is recommended to consume these cheeses in moderation, limiting intake to around 30-40g per day, to maintain a healthy balance of salt and saturated fat in your diet.
Soy products, including tofu, tempeh, miso, and vegan milk alternatives, are also excellent sources of spermidine. These plant-based proteins offer a versatile and popular way to incorporate spermidine into your meals.
Legumes, such as beans and lentils, are another food group that contains spermidine. By including a variety of legumes in your diet, you can benefit from the nutritional value and potential health benefits associated with spermidine.
In addition to these food groups, spermidine is also present in other foods like mushrooms, corn, and whole grains. Wheat germ, in particular, boasts impressive levels of spermidine, with contents reaching up to 243 mg/kg.
It is worth noting that the spermidine content in foods can vary depending on the source and age. For example, the analysis of Swedish dairy products revealed that matured cheese had higher total polyamine contents, including spermidine, compared to other types of milk.
The Perfect Pepperoni Pizza: Cheese Options Explored
You may want to see also

Spermidine may prevent liver cancer and extend lifespan
Spermidine is a compound found in foods like aged cheese, mushrooms, soy products, legumes, corn and whole grains. It is also found in meat products and vegetables. Spermidine seems to prevent liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer, at least in animal models. There is also some evidence that it may prolong lifespan.
Aged cheese is a good source of spermidine, with mature cheeses like gouda, brie, parmesan, gorgonzola and cheddar containing around 20mg/100g. However, it is recommended that you restrict yourself to 30g-40g of these cheeses per day to keep your salt and saturated fat intake moderate.
According to a study published in the journal *Cancer Research*, animal models given an oral supplement of spermidine lived longer and were less likely to have liver fibrosis and cancerous liver tumours, even when predisposed to these conditions. The study's assistant professor, Leyuan Liu, PhD, described the increase in lifespan as 'dramatic', at up to 25%.
Liu also points out that only three interventions have had a proven impact on longevity: restricting calories, avoiding meat, and a drug called Rapamycin. Spermidine is a great alternative to these methods as it is readily available in numerous delicious foods, including cheese.
Best Ricotta Cheese Options for Your Keto Diet
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Mature or aged cheeses such as cheddar, brie, parmesan, gorgonzola, gouda, gruyere and manchego contain spermidine.
The amount of spermidine in cheese varies between studies. One source states that cheddar contains around 20mg/100g of spermidine. Another source states that matured cheese has a spermidine content of 2.6 mg/kg.
Restrict yourself to 30g-40g of cheese per day so that your salt and saturated fat intake remains moderate.

























